Winter swimming- Duration
- Flexible
- Kids
- Teen+
- Cost
- $$
- Permit
- Not needed
- Crowd
- Quiet
Winter swimming in Lapland
Finland
The avanto ritual — lowering into an ice hole between rounds of blistering sauna heat.
Skill · Beginner
On the water
Winter swimming
Immersion in ice-cold water — often an ice hole — paired with the heat of a sauna.
Winter swimming means a short dip in ice-cold water, often through a hole in the ice, followed by the heat of a sauna. It is a Nordic tradition; build up slowly and never swim alone.
Best months for winter swimming
In season: Nov–Mar · Peak: Nov–Mar